Crocodile and Monkey's Heart – Episode 3 of African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe
In the latest episode of ‘African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe’, we’re transported to the mighty Ngwenya River in KwaZulu-Natal. It’s a tale that captivated Dr Mhlophe as a child when her gran used to tell it to her -- the classic story of a young crocodile and a monkey's heart.
My grandmother told it so well you could swear she had been there in real life to see it all happen!
Listen to the retelling of this classic story in podcast form, in either English or isiZulu, here.
Listen to Episode 3 in English below:
Lalela isiqephu esisha sesiZulu ngenhla:
Find out more context from Dr Mhlophe before you listen below.
"This has been one of my favourite stories from childhood. The big Ngwenya River was teeming with crocodiles. In my imagination, they were massive and more deadly than any other creature. They seemed to have no enemies and could pick and choose what meat they liked to eat.
"I had never seen one, but I was terrified just to hear about them. And then the naughty little monkey decided to make friends with this creature! That was beyond me… But then again, I was relieved when it all worked out fine in the end.
READ: Where all the stories began: African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe (Episode 1)
"My grandmother told it so well you could swear she had been there in real life to see it all happen!
"Now, can you imagine my surprise when other people told me that this story was told in their country too? In Zambia, Mozambique, Singapore, the Philippines, India - they insisted this story originated in their native land. I told them, "No, this story is definitely from KwaZulu Natal!"
"We playfully argued with other storytellers at various international storytelling festivals. So today, I am truly happy to share this story with so many homes the world over. And also, it reminds me that we must always put our heart into all that we do.
Let's all celebrate the magical universality of a well-told story. Remember the famous saying: It is the heart that separates good from the great!
[Listen at the top of this page]
Find more
stories from African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe in the channel below, including episode 2: ‘Jabulani and the Lion’.
More about Dr Gcina Mhlophe:
Dr Gcina Mhlophe is a renowned author, storyteller and founding director of Gcinamasiko Arts & Heritage Trust. Her works have been translated into multiple languages, including Braille, and her theatre plays have been directed in the USA, UK, and Greenland. She has been awarded honorary doctorates from seven universities globally and has received numerous accolades, such as the SAMA, OBBIE, and Joseph Jefferson Awards, as well as the SAFTA Lifetime Achievement award. Her birthday on 24th October is recognised as National Storytelling Day in South Africa since 2019, inaugurated at her adopted performance space, The Storytelling Tree, in Durban (RSA).
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